Rants from a bored man

Here endeth the story. The United States National Team is out of the World Cup after losing in extra time by a score of 2-1. This defeat was reflective of the whole US World Cup experience, except this time there was no magical comeback. Well, there was one, but today, we needed two.

The team that captured the imagination of America like never before is now out. And that is a shame for the Team, the supporters and for soccer in general in America. The USMNT leaves with heads held high. But its obvious we’re not there yet, not with the best teams. What the US lacked in talent and skill, they made up in heart and tenacity and that never say die spirit. However, today it was clear from the start that the last great 91st minute comeback took more out of the team than they would care to admit.

They came out flat, without energy and once again gave up an early goal. And there was no response in the first half. Ghana outplayed the US. What was worse Ghana controlled the play, that meant not only finding the extra energy to comeback, but also working harder than usual. The team without the ball, constantly defending, expends more energy. Once again I thought Bob Bradley, the US coach, made a mistake with his formation and starting line up. US came out in a 4-4-2 formation and started the ineffective Findley up front and the very poor Clark in the midfield. Ghana went with a formation that clogged up the middle. The US midfielders had no time on the ball. And in the 5th minute Clark lost the ball in the middle of the pitch. Poor defending followed the Ghana counter attack. Howard’s positioning was bad and the US found themselves behind early once again.

Such traditions are to be discouraged. For, once again it was up to the Americans to find the extra energy and inspiration to comeback. Clark quickly got a yellow card and was soon substituted by Edu, who should have started in the first place as part of a three men midfield. That energy was not coming. Not until the second half. Failhaber once again came on for the ineffective Findley. The formation changed and the US started to impose themselves on Ghana. Within 20 minutes of the second half the game was tied. US won a penalty in the box. A good call. Donovan stepped up and scored off the post.

But even the celebrations were somewhat muted. It was the US’s game to lose now. Ghana looked shaken, they looked like they lost belief. But US pressure whimpered out. Ghana came back in the game and started to threaten themselves. For the rest of regular time no one could find that extra inspiration that would put their team through. The now lone striker, Altidore, who looked as if he was playing with bricks tied to his feet, was replaced by Gomez. A pair of fresh legs was needed. More than a pair. But this was the last US sub, due to bad line up and mistakes the US were forced to make changes early. They were good substitutions once again, but using two early on is never ideal. And it happened once again. Very early in extra time the US failed to deal with a long ball, lost possession, and gave up a goal to Ghana. Shocking mistake.

The US mounted a yet another comeback attempt. But this one was toothless. Players looked exhausted, both physically and mentally. Passes were not sharp nor accurate. Runs were not made. Decisions were laboured. Several times we saw hesitancy, no one touch pass and move, no give and go. The US pretty much contented themselves to the long ball approach. Meanwhile Ghana were content to sit back, absorb the pressure and come out in control of the ball, wasting time at every opportunity. Soon time was up. And the inevitable came.

And looking back, it was inevitable. A team can not go behind so many times and hope to comeback each and every time. Whether it was preparation, silly mental mistakes from players who slowly get into games, whatever, its just impossible to keep doing this.

And so the valiant effort is over. The whole nation and and should be proud of its team. They are a good team. Not there yet, among the best, but not very far behind. Just how the US team will do in the future we do not know. But we should be proud of them and support them as much as we can. Whether one is a long time football fanatic, or new to this soccer World Cup thingy, this team deserves to be remembered and supported by all of us. They gave their all. In the end only one country can win this. This is the final, because the whole tournament started 2 or even 3 years ago. Over 200 teams tried to qualify. Just to make it is an honour. To be one of the 32 out of over 200 contenders is already special. To make it to the last 16 even more so.

Perhaps this team lost a great opportunity for the development of soccer in the US. A run to the semi final would have had the whole country in grips. So this is a lost opportunity on more than one level. But I am sure that soccer has gained many more followers. Each US success, each major tournament, turns more and more Americans onto the beautiful game. In the space of few days we lived through the great high that only the World Cup can provide. And though low of ultimate disappointment, knowing that another chance wont come for another 4 years.

The World Cup is the most special of sporting events. Yes, more special than the Olympics. Its focused on nothing but one sport. Its contested by everyone. And unlike the Olympics, we don’t get to choose which sport to follow. Its all or nothing. One team, one destiny. No second chances with some other stars the next day. There is nothing like it on earth. And I hope the those who saw it for the first time are as hooked as those of us who have followed this game since we were kids.

So, while I am disappointed, heart broken really. I take heart that the team I support did everything possible to stay alive. And I am proud of the boys, and I want to say: Thanks for the memories. USA! USA!!